by Chrissy Iley
I love the idea of getting a massage. Usually it remains just that, an idea. I had a friend whose mother shot herself and a few days later her boyfriend left her for an older woman. She said the only time she felt she could survive was when she was having a massage. Because a good massage is truly transporting.
I had just come off a long haul flight so even a bad massage seemed like a good idea but I was just too tired. Often times my back seizes up. In the Louise Hay book that talks about mental and emotional conditions that lead to physical pains she says that backache is about not feeling supported in your life. Interesting.
You would think that I would be able to support myself at least enough to ensure I had a regular massage. Not only to lift my mood but to stop my back from becoming immobile. I am not a Spartan person who does not believe in treating myself and I can`t fathom why massage isn’t a regular part of my existence.
I have a friend who gets a weekly massage. She says it does her more good than a work out. Marilyn Monroe used to have them as she thought they burned more calories than sit ups. Why had I gone so long without one?
Habits are of course meant to be broken.
Excited by the standard of Cityswish – the new at home beauty service I decided to try their massage.
Cityswish are known to use only expert therapists that can visit anywhere in London, zone 1,2,3. Founded by an entrepreneurial duo of a Russian Princess and a city high flyer, their treatments are just that; regal, pampering, luxurious, high quality and on demand. Yet they are blissfully affordable. I have been told a good massage helps with jetlag. I get insane jetlag when travelling east. East is the beast after all.
I arrived back from LA and less than 24h later Manuel Guerra Rodriguez was at my house, folding out his bed, his aroma therapy oils and his towels.
Manuel has an amazing touch, which is both intense and kind. His fingers effortlessly find the spot of ache of pain of strain and work on it. His technique was astonishing.
At several points I felt myself lifting from my own body. The oils he used were beautiful. He finished off with a quick face massage, which was incredibly rejuvenating. It is as if he was literally lifting my face. It was 60 minutes that I did not want to end. But when it did I felt as if I had a fire within. I felt strangely energized and could survive the day without feeling as if I was dancing in a musical in a different direction to everyone else, which is how jetlag usually leaves me.
Yes, it felt luxurious. It also felt essential.
Bookings can be made at www.cityswish.com. Massages starting £60 for 60 minutes.